Debrigarh Awaits Tigers, Karnataka's Elephants Hold Up Plan

The planned tiger translocation to Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary in Odisha is experiencing significant delays. This second phase of relocation, following an earlier event in Similipal, is contingent upon the availability of kumki elephants from Karnataka. These elephants are considered a mandatory requirement for managing the sanctuary and mitigating human-wildlife conflict.

Madhya Pradesh has expressed readiness to provide a suitable male and female tiger for Debrigarh. However, Karnataka has not yet confirmed its commitment to supplying the requested 5-6 kumki elephants and their mahouts. Odisha's chief wildlife warden has formally requested these elephants, highlighting their importance for patrolling and monitoring activities.

Despite the ongoing elephant diplomacy, Debrigarh sanctuary officials have diligently completed several preparatory steps. These include the successful relocation and rehabilitation of villagers from within the sanctuary before 2023, the creation of a soft enclosure, capacity building initiatives, and the erection of 120 km of iron mesh fencing. Additionally, progress has been made on physical barriers and meadow development within the sanctuary.

The sanctuary boasts 350 sq km of inviolate breeding space, and community engagement programs have been actively conducted. The steel mesh boundary is specifically designed to create a barrier between the sanctuary and 150 adjoining villages, aiming to alleviate community fears about potential tiger dispersion. Preparations also include a mandatory gram sabha in surrounding villages to notify the area as a tiger reserve.